Profile Photo Rules

Profile photo rules you should know

If you’re confused about what looks professional and what doesn’t, we’ve put together six practical profile photo guidelines for LinkedIn profiles to help you create a great profile photo. They’re just recommendations, but these photo guidelines and guidelines can help you choose a photograph that creates a stronger first impression and supports your personal brand.

Profiles with photos, especially recent ones, are seven times more likely to be viewed.

1. You should be the only subject

Use a solo photo as your profile picture and avoid using group shots, because if the viewer hasn’t met you before they won’t know which person is you or whether they’ve found the right person. Also resist the temptation to include your pets in your professional profile pic – save those ones for Facebook. In short, use a photo that shows only your likeness; profile photo guidelines favor a profile picture of you alone and avoid displaying a logo, other people, or inanimate objects.

2. Keep your head straight

A slight tilt can signal interest, but turning your head slightly the wrong way can make you look less self assured or too unnatural. Sitting upright with your head looking at the camera is the safest bet if you want to appear confident.

3. Your face should be in focus

If you’ve decided to ask a friend to take some photos, make sure they know what they’re doing and that your face is clear, sharp, and fills about 60% of the frame in the final picture. Nothing says unprofessional more than a photo that’s out of focus. The image should be high resolution, and when you upload it, use at least 400 x 400 pixels and the platform’s recommended dimensions so it stays clear and avoids distortion. Avoid the risk altogether and get your photos taken by a professional photographer. Go easy on filters or heavy retouching, as they can make the image look less authentic. If you need further convincing check out our post ‘why should I pay a professional to take my portrait?’

4. Use a recent photo of yourself

Remember that one day you might meet the people you connect with online, so it’s a good idea to post a current photo that still looks like you in real life, so no one is surprised. As a rule of thumb, use a recent photo taken within the last 2-3 years, or sooner if you shave your head or lost a lot of weight. Photos that don’t look like you can harm your credibility; a misleading photo may make people wonder if they’ve connected with the right person, and such a misleading photo can do more damage than you expect.

5. Wear appropriate attire

Think about the kind of people who will be looking at your professional photo. They will likely be colleagues, employers, business partners, and potential employers and business partners. In your profile photo, wear what you’d wear to work. Choose solid colors or subtle patterns so your clothes do not distract from your face. Avoid casual settings like beaches or nightclubs, and skip sunglasses or hats that hide your facial features unless they are relevant.

6. Use a pleasant facial expression

LinkedIn is a networking site, and, while it’s in a work context, there is still a social element to it. The easiest way to look approachable in your profile picture is to smile genuinely, as you would when meeting someone for the first time. Profile pictures with smiles are rated twice as likable, and smiling makes you appear more approachable and likable. This is where a professional photographer will come in handy, as they are experts at getting the best expression from their subjects. For a cleaner result, keep the subject visible with a simple background or neutral background, avoid busy backgrounds and busy backgrounds, watch for darker shadows, and use natural light so the background stays distraction-free and contrasts well with your clothes and face. Using the same professional profile picture across LinkedIn and other platforms helps create a consistent personal brand.